‘Criminal Minds’: Shemar Moore To Reprise Derek Morgan Role In Season 12 Finale

Shemar Moore is returning to Criminal Minds. CBS just announced Moore will guest star in the 12th season finale on May 10, reprising his role as Derek Morgan. In the episode, Morgan brings the BAU a lead in the case against serial killer and escaped convict Mr. Scratch, who has wreaked havoc on the team all season.

Moore, an original cast member, exited the show last March after appearing in 251 episodes. His character, Morgan, had survived a harrowing kidnapping and decided to leave the BAU to focus on life and family. In a letter to fans explaining Moore’s surprise departure, executive producer/showrunner Erica Messer said it was Moore’s decision to leave the show “to try new things.”

In addition to Criminal Minds, Moore also is working on another project for CBS. He was recently cast as the star of CBS drama pilot S.W.A.T., executive produced by The Shield creator Shawn Ryan, Neal H. Moritz, Justin Lin and Aaron Rahsaan Thomas. He’ll also serve as a producer on the project, inspired by the 2003 Sony movie that was based on the 1975 ABC series produced by Aaron Spelling and Leonard Goldberg.